Heavy rain has caused the opening match of the English cricket tour to be abandoned in Whangarei today.

The New Zealand XI was 70 for 1 in the Twenty20 against England when rain intervened after 9.1 overs at Cobham Oval.

It was hoped play could resume after the weather cleared, but it hasn't, meaning the game will be replayed tomorrow. It will start at 2pm.

Todd Latham (23) and Anton Devcich (22) were at the crease when the rain began. New Black Cap Hamish Rutherford (21) was caught in the outfield by Stuart Broad off the bowling of Chris Woakes, with the score at 23.

The two sides will play a second match on Waitangi Day on Wednesday.

The Black Caps play England in the first Twenty20 international at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.